Rosemary Rivers Obituary
Preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Rivers. Life Companion, Darlene Brown. Beloved Niece, Debbie Rivers. And sister by Heart, Sandra J. Wells.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Amelia) Dykens, Dusty (Jordan) Dykens and Stormie (Casey) Kanehl. Seven grandchildren, Evan, Jacquelyn, Ansleigh, Parker, Ashton, Elliot and Jude. Nephews, Greg (Ashley) Youngblood, Andrew Youngblood, Jamie Rivers and Niece Mary Elizabeth Cowen. Many dear friends, and her fur baby Roxy.
Rosemary grew up on her parent's farm in the small town of Hampton, GA. A self proclaimed "southern tom-boy", her days were filled with riding her horse, Maude, and fishing in Bear Creek.
She graduated from Henry County High in 1966.
Having realized, at a young age, that she was not like other young women she grew up with, she found herself an outcast.
She moved to Atlanta after high school to start her life. She had a saying "No self respecting homosexual in Georgia should live OTP". If you know, you know!
As strong as she was, her early years were plagued with the hereditary disease- Addiction. She battled alcohol and drug addiction for over 2 decades.
She made a move to Tampa, hoping to defeat her addiction, but it persisted. Bringing her back to Atlanta, and to her rock bottom.
In January of 1985, she was reborn through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. Her life then truly began.
The next 40 years led her to a successful life in recovery and leading those in need to it. Rosemary had amazing careers with Silk Greenhouse and Triton Marketing, taking her around the world to exotic places like Hong Kong and even Tuscaloosa (hehe, "Go DAWGS" as she'd say).
She remained an avid angler, even getting the opportunity to compete in several large scale fishing competitions and being invited by Zebco to help design a new reel.
After about 10 years of sobriety, her life was intertwined with 3 children. And having never birthed a child herself, she took on the role of mother like she'd been doing it her entire life. She remained a loving mother and light of guidance to her children and grandchildren until her last breath.
She was a caring friend, a leader to those in need of guidance, a loving mother, a pioneer for Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous in Atlanta, and a guiding light for the Gay and Lesbian community. Dynamic, and larger than life, there will never be another Rosemary Rivers.
Celebrations of Life will be held at:
Atlanta Eagle
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Sunday, August 24th 11am-1pm
followed by,
NABA Club
1809 Briarwood Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Sunday, August 24th 3-5pm
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rosemarys-lasting-gift-to-recovery
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Will S
July 26, 2025
In early Oct 1986 I walked into a meeting at Galano and Rosemary was leading the meeting. She asked everyone in the room how they were feeling. Know one had ever done that to me. I told her what I had done that day and she said lovingly "oh honey not what you did, how do you feel?" I was floored and had no idea but afterward she came up to me and welcomed me. I never left and am sober today. God worked through her and will still.
Amanda Glaister
July 26, 2025
Rosemary was always loving to me. Always a kind word. She reached out to me during a low point in my life with some beautiful words of truth and encouragement. Never judgmental and made me laugh. I´ll never forget Rosemary as long as I live and I´m so glad we met at Biscayne many years ago. I will always think of her with a full heart.
Nikki Marmo
July 26, 2025
So many memories of Rosemary. She was best friends with my former partner Sandra Wells. I met her early in sobriety at the 5:45 meetings. I always looked up to the years of sobriety she had even tho I didn't agree with her tough love techniques. I loved Rosemary.
Susan Mitchell-Ketzes
July 26, 2025
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
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George Bennett
July 26, 2025
Rosemary you will be missed. Your smile and genuine caring for those in recovery will always be remembered. My favorite thing I remember about you is when you shared your favorite story in the Big Book "The Keys of the Kingdom". That story was your life. May you rest in peace.
Eric
July 25, 2025
I met you in my early days in recovery Rosemary. You were always kind to me and helpful in making me laugh when I thought it would be impossible to do so. Rest well and high my friend
Max Levitt
July 24, 2025
Rosemary was such a big figure in the meeting that I got sober in, at the Biscayne room. I´ll never forget hearing her story and thinking " there´s no way this sweet little old grandma did all those wild things." She used to light up when she would see me, and was never without a kind word. She will be missed, as she was much loved. Max
Carson Pennella
July 24, 2025
God brought his angel home. I love you Rosemary. Thank you for loving me well
Sandy Wilson
July 24, 2025
Rosemary, I liked the Sprite in you. You will me missed my ole friend.
Jacquelyn Taylor
July 24, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jazzy Taylor
July 24, 2025
I will miss you, Rosemary. My memory of you he was always a straight shooter, shared how you feel, or how you didn´t feel. You was always kind to me and always share a smile.
You will definitely be missed in my heart
Love Jazzy, Chester Bridge High-Rise.
Cathy Simmons
July 23, 2025
I met Rosemary during my employment at Cheshire Bridge Highrise, where she was a resident. She was one of the sweetest souls I have ever known. Her love for people and the unconditional love she gave to her precious baby dogs was amazing. I only wish I could have talked to her one more time.
Ray Jernigan
July 23, 2025
Susan Garrison
July 23, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bob
July 23, 2025
Godfather..Aunt Rosemary. . don't even know what to say..still hasn't fully hit. The person who somehow always knew what i was thinking before i did. You will live on through all of us who will never forget how lucky we are to have known you. See you on the other side Mama
Julie Nelson
July 23, 2025
RoseMary, was a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart. She will truly be missed much love, Julie
Teresa Robinson Community MGR
July 22, 2025
Ms.Rose Mary was a breath of fresh air. I am so happy that Rose Mary was a part of the Cheshire Bridge Highrise Family we loved her so much and she will truly be missed. May god be with the family at this time of sorrow. We love you Rose Mary.
Karen B
July 22, 2025
She will be so very missed!!!!! She was wonderfully unique. She had a lovingly strong personality.
JR Jacob
July 22, 2025
Going to miss you Rosemary! You were such a big part of my life and sobriety. Love you!!
Ashley Nicole Dawson
July 22, 2025
It was my honor to have known you,such a caring loving person you will be missed immensely!
Donald
July 22, 2025
So sad Got sober with Rosemary back in the 80's we stayed in touch God Bless Don Bakert
Michael Keeffe (Tracy P)
July 22, 2025
It was an honor and a pleasure having you in my life during early recovery. You so kind to my family as well, helping my mother with employment on occasion. Although we hadn't seen each other in person in many years, I'm glad we could keep up on social media. You will be missed and thought of often.
A Attaway
July 22, 2025
Rosemary we love you and miss you so very much
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